EU Commissioner Calls for Urgent Defense Overhaul to Counter Russian Threat
Andrius Kubilius emphasizes the need for increased military spending, streamlined production, and enhanced support for Ukraine to bolster European security.
- European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius warns that Russia could be ready for military aggression against the EU or NATO by 2030, urging a 'big bang' approach to defense investment.
- Kubilius proposes a €500 billion increase in defense spending over the next decade and calls for long-term contracts to strengthen Europe's fragmented defense industry.
- The EU is drafting a White Paper on Defense, focusing on three priorities: Ukraine, Europe's defense capabilities, and funding mechanisms.
- Kubilius stresses that supporting Ukraine is critical to deterring Russian aggression and preventing broader geopolitical consequences, including potential actions by China.
- EU member states remain divided on funding strategies, with debates over joint borrowing and the balance between buying U.S. weapons and boosting domestic production.